Finding the right tests…
Emergency services available 24 x 7
Emergency services available 24 x 7
Finding the right tests…
MRI
Breast MRI is usually done with a gadolinium contrast injection, and this is that standard version, imaging both breasts in one sitting. Contrast is central to how the scan works: it's given through a vein and taken up differently by cancerous tissue than by normal breast tissue, which is what makes the scan clinically useful. It's typically reserved for women at high risk of breast cancer - a strong family history or a known genetic mutation - added alongside mammography rather than replacing it, since MRI can be more sensitive at detecting cancer in this group. It's also used to map how far a cancer has spread, or check a treated area after surgery. No radiation is involved, unlike mammography.
This scan images both breasts after a gadolinium contrast injection, tracking how tissue takes up the dye over the exam. Areas of concern, including cancer, typically enhance differently from normal breast tissue, which is what the contrast is there to show.
Breast MRI is built around the contrast injection - for most breast MRI exams done to check for cancer, gadolinium contrast is given through a vein during the scan, because how tissue takes up that dye is what makes abnormal areas visible. This version images both breasts with contrast, the standard approach for cancer-related breast MRI.
Breast MRI is generally reserved for women at high risk of breast cancer, typically from a strong family history or a known genetic mutation, and it's used alongside mammography rather than instead of it - mammography remains the primary screening tool for women at average risk. In high-risk women, MRI can be more sensitive at detecting cancer than mammography, and mammography alone may miss some cancers in this group.
- Mapping how far a known cancer has spread before surgery - Checking a treatment area after a lumpectomy - Following how a tumor is responding to chemotherapy - Evaluating a mammography finding that's hard to characterize
Unlike mammography, which is a low-dose X-ray exam, breast MRI doesn't involve any radiation - it uses magnets, radio waves, and the contrast injection instead.
Contrast shows how different tissues take up dye, which is what makes it possible to spot cancer that might otherwise look like normal tissue. This is standard for breast MRI done to check for or evaluate cancer.
It's generally used for women at high risk of breast cancer, often due to family history or a known genetic mutation, alongside mammography rather than replacing it. It's not typically part of routine screening for average-risk women.
In high-risk women, MRI can be more sensitive at detecting cancer than mammography, and mammography alone may miss some cancers in this group. It's used alongside mammography, not as a replacement, since each test picks up different things.
This page is general information about the test, not medical advice. Your own report's reference ranges apply — please discuss your results with your doctor.
No. Unlike mammography, which uses low-dose X-rays, breast MRI uses magnets, radio waves, and a contrast injection instead.
It's generally considered safe with a low rate of reaction, though your doctor may ask about kidney function beforehand. Mention any kidney problems or previous contrast reactions before your scan.
No. Breast MRI is not a replacement for mammography - it's typically used in addition to it, especially for women at high risk.
It's also used to map how far a known cancer has spread, check a treated area after surgery, or track how a tumor responds to chemotherapy.